Anthony Edwards used 2 words to explain why he's destroyed Kevin Durant's Suns

As the old cinematic saying goes, you either die a hero or live long enough to see yourself become the villain. Or, in Anthony Edwards' case, you play long enough to start humbling your childhood basketball hero.

On Sunday night, Edwards' Minnesota Timberwolves ran all-time great Kevin Durant's Phoenix Suns off the floor in a 116-98 blowout. Including a sweep in last year's playoffs, the Timberwolves have firmly asserted their dominance over the Suns by winning seven straight matchups. Beyond a physical defense that gives Durant and the Suns problems, arguably the biggest reason the Timberwolves have started embarrassing Phoenix is Edwards' maturation into a superstar. The Suns have consistently had no answer for Edwards' prolific and aggressive scoring, as evidenced by his monstrous 44-point effort on Sunday.

And when you watch Edwards play against Durant's Suns specifically, it's evident that he's playing with more of an edge than usual. It's like he's out there trying to prove something to someone. In a postgame interview, Edwards was asked about this noticeable dynamic against the Suns. He had an awesome explanation for why he enjoys tearing Phoenix apart.

He wants to show out against Durant any chance he gets because he's his favorite basketball player of all time.

Man, this is what makes following professional sports so special. You get to see young players like Edwards come into their own and eventually play against their heroes like Durant, who clearly influenced so much of their rise. And there's no hate or disrespect involved when Edwards gets to embarrass and beat the legend.

It's all about treating the game right by competing and leaving it all on the court as much as possible. That's how Durant undoubtedly wants it. That's how it should be.

This article originally appeared on For The Win: Anthony Edwards explained destroying Kevin Durant's Suns with 2 words